Acculturation's Influence on Antifat Attitudes, Body Image and Eating Behaviors∗

Using 264 Latina and European American females, a regression showed that AFA positively correlated with body dissatisfaction and eating concerns and that Europe American females and high acculturated Latinas reported significantly greater AFA than both bicultural and low acculturation Latinas.

Abstract

Antifat attitudes (AFA) refer to the belief that overweight and obese individuals are responsible for their weight. Using 264 Latina and European American females, a regression showed that AFA positively correlated with body dissatisfaction and eating concerns. An ANOVA revealed that European American females reported significantly greater AFA than Latinas. Furthermore, European American females and high acculturated Latinas reported significantly greater AFA than both bicultural and low acculturated Latinas. No differences existed between European Americans and high acculturated Latinas. Language-use significantly interacted with body dissatisfaction to predict AFA. The role of AFA, acculturation, and suggestions for future research are discussed.